Fuel Economy is Selling Point for Growing Crop of Wagons

Families who want a vehicle that can hold five people and all their stuff—and still get great fuel economy—are getting more choices, including several new hybrid and clean-diesel models.

Finding a small wagon that strikes the right balance of cargo room, compact size and driving enjoyment has always been something of a challenge. The emergence of fuel-thriftier wagons such as the Ford C-Max, Toyota Prius V and the diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is the industry’s latest bid to revive their relevance in a market still smitten with crossovers and sport utilities.